Fingerpriniting analysis - Essay Example

At the Scene The area will be cordoned off so that there is no further contamination or interference with the evidence that is available. Before processing the scene photographs should be taken of the evidence and their location. Each piece of evidence must be a separate sample and should therefore be packaged separately. All fingerprint gathering techniques that can be used on the scene such as photographing, superglue and fuming as well as fingerprint powder will be used. The surface of the evidence will be examined visually for patent prints that should be photographed before processing.

If the surface is moist it should be allowed to dry as the powder will adhere to it. Fingerprint powder and a brush will be used for this process. The brush will be dipped into the powder and any excess will be shaken off. The powder will be applied gently to the surface. The brush will either be moved from side to side or it can be spun over the surface. When further brushing ceases to improve the visibility of the ridge detail then no more powder should be added. Before the print is lifted a good photograph will be taken of the location of the print.

Porous evidence such as paper, currency, cardboard and similar materials will be sent to the laboratory. Clean gloves will be used at all times when handling this type of evidence. These types of evidence will be placed in paper envelopes, bags and boxes or wrapped in paper and sealed (Cidaa n.d.). All non-porous evidence such as such as gun, painted or sealed wood, metal or glass (if this applies to the counter); and the cigarette box (if considered porous) will be processed on the scene where possible.

If ridge details are available on these items then photographs will be taken of them before any further processing takes place (McManigal 2007). Any evidence that will require examination by other divisions of the lab will not be fingerprint powdered because contamination can hinder the process. These will therefore be fumed with superglue as quickly as possible. However, superglue will not be used on any evidence which is to be submitted fro trace evidence examination. Photography, superglue fuming and fingerprint powdering techniques should be used where applicable to preserve latent prints.

All prints developed with brush and powder will be photographed. Latent prints found in blood dust and other contaminants will be processed using fingerprint powder. All developed prints will be photographed and lifted and all of these lifts and photographs will be taken to the laboratory (Cidaa n.d.). The lift cards will be properly labeled with the date and time, location of the event and the name of the person packaging the sample. Finger prints will be taken of the dead using latex gloves which will be discarded when the process is completed.

Full record finger and palm prints will be taken. This record will include the victims name, location, time and the date. Fingerprints will also be taken of all who were on the scene when the event occurred, the suspect (s) and the person who